Female Referee Knocked Down by Ball During Argentine League Match
2 October 2014
Refereeing has never been without its challenges—but for one female official in Argentina, a recent match turned unexpectedly painful.
During a Primera D clash between Centro Español and Liniers on Matchday 9, the referee was struck in the face by the ball in a bizarre and unfortunate incident. The forceful impact, caused by a ball rebounding off the crossbar, momentarily knocked her to the ground, halting play as players and officials rushed to her aid.
The incident occurred during open play, with both teams pushing for goals in a match that, until that moment, had been proceeding without major incident. A powerful shot struck the woodwork and ricocheted back directly into the face of the unsuspecting referee, who was standing nearby.
While the blow looked serious and sent her tumbling to the turf, she quickly regained her composure and was able to continue officiating the remainder of the match. No serious injury was reported, though the incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable hazards faced by match officials—particularly in lower league football where safety conditions can vary.
Video footage of the moment quickly circulated on social media, drawing a mix of sympathy and praise for the referee’s resilience. While some viewers found humour in the odd nature of the incident, many applauded her professionalism in getting back on her feet and seeing out the remainder of the match.
The game itself ended in a convincing 4–0 win for Liniers, who continue their strong run in Argentina’s fifth division. But for many, it was the referee’s unexpected moment in the spotlight that will be remembered long after the final whistle.
Referees across the world often face criticism and scrutiny, yet rarely receive recognition for the risks—both physical and psychological—that come with the role. In this case, the Argentine official’s brief misfortune has highlighted both the dangers and the dedication that define the job.
While no disciplinary or procedural concerns arose from the incident, it is likely to spark discussions around the protection and training of referees, especially in grassroots and lower-tier leagues where support systems are less robust than at elite levels.
As for the referee, she has not yet spoken publicly about the incident, but sources within the Argentine football federation confirmed she is in good health and expected to officiate future matches as scheduled.
